uncalled-for

adjective

un·​called-for ˌən-ˈkȯl(d)-ˌfȯr How to pronounce uncalled-for (audio)
Synonyms of uncalled-fornext
1
: not called for or needed : unnecessary
2
: being or offered without provocation or justification
an uncalled-for display of temper
uncalled-for insults

Synonyms of uncalled-for

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Examples of uncalled-for in a Sentence

uncalled-for restrictions on freedom of the press during the national emergency hurtful remarks about a person's looks that are simply uncalled-for
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Don’t sit back and take an uncalled-for beating. — Jim Heininger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Yeah, after putting in so much effort to make a delicious meal, that felt a little uncalled-for. — Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024 In an era in high school sports where boos, jeers, and uncalled-for chants are the status quo, Shelton steers fans to uplift rather than put down. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026 Consult an attorney to discuss her behavior and find out how to defend your son from her uncalled-for attack. — Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024 The reality star perfectly responded to rude commenters this week who made uncalled-for remarks about her appearance. — Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Mar. 2023 The affair led to uncalled-for attacks on Leviss, 29, by Sandoval, 40, and Madix, 38, the suit alleges. — Diana Dasrath, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024 This is absolutely unhinged, uncalled-for, unprecedented TV-writing behavior. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 16 June 2024 In addition, we are no longer viewed as a world leader but Russian President Vladimir Putin’s puppet and Mexico, Canada and China have fought back over an uncalled-for tariff war. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncalled-for was circa 1656

Rhymes for uncalled-for

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Browse Nearby Words

uncalled
uncalled-for
uncalloused
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncalled-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncalled-for. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

uncalled-for

adjective
un·​called-for
ˌən-ˈkȯl(d)-ˌfȯ(ə)r
1
: not called for : unnecessary
2
a
: not justified
your jealousy is uncalled-for
b
: impolite, rude
uncalled-for comments

More from Merriam-Webster on uncalled-for

Nglish: Translation of uncalled-for for Spanish Speakers

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